By Joseph Mary Buwule
Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Catholic Diocese, has been elected the new Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), the national body that brings together Catholic bishops in Uganda.
Bishop Wanok will lead the Catholic Church’s episcopal leadership body, which coordinates the activities of the Catholic Church in the country, promotes unity among bishops and provides collective guidance on matters concerning faith, evangelisation, education, healthcare, social development and national affairs.
The Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, has been elected Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference.
The election brings together two senior Catholic Church leaders from northern and western Uganda to serve in the leadership of the national bishops’ body.
The development marks a transition in the leadership of the Catholic Church’s national coordinating institution, with Bishop Wanok moving from the position of Vice Chairperson, which he has held since November 2022, to the top leadership position.
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Wanok’s experience in Church leadership
Before his election, Bishop Wanok had served as Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference under the outgoing Chairperson, Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
He was elected Vice Chairperson during the bishops’ plenary assembly held on November 11, 2022, at St. Augustine Institute in Nsambya, Kampala, when Bishop Zziwa was re-elected Chairperson for another four-year term.
Bishop Wanok also served as Chairperson of the Conference’s Education Commission, a position that placed him at the centre of the Church’s efforts to coordinate and promote Catholic education in Uganda.
His previous responsibilities within the Conference and experience as a diocesan bishop provide an institutional foundation for his new national leadership role.
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Archbishop Bainomugisha elected Vice Chairperson
Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, who heads Mbarara Archdiocese, has been elected the new Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference.
He will deputise Bishop Wanok in providing leadership to the Conference and supporting the coordination of its programmes and activities.
Archbishop Bainomugisha has previously served in different leadership structures of the Conference, including responsibilities in its Legal Services Commission.
His election is expected to bring his experience in ecclesiastical leadership and Church administration to the national executive leadership of the Catholic bishops.
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Role of the Uganda Episcopal Conference
Established in 1960, the Uganda Episcopal Conference is the umbrella organisation bringing together Catholic bishops in the country.
Headquartered at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya, Kampala, the Conference coordinates the pastoral and social mission of the Catholic Church across Uganda’s 19 dioceses.
Its mandate includes promoting unity and cooperation among bishops, coordinating evangelisation and pastoral activities, and strengthening the Church’s contribution to national development.
The Conference also provides a common platform through which Catholic bishops deliberate on issues affecting the Church, society and the country.
Its work extends beyond religious activities into education, healthcare, social justice, human development and community service.
Through its network of Catholic-founded schools, universities, hospitals and health centres, the Church contributes to the delivery of education and healthcare services to communities across the country.
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The Conference operates through specialised commissions responsible for different areas of Church activity, including education, health, finance and administration, pastoral affairs, social communications, priestly formation, legal services and justice and peace.
The Uganda Catholic Secretariat serves as the executive arm of the Conference, supporting the implementation and coordination of its programmes through the various departments and commissions.